Exciting Retail Store Openings: Here's What's Popping Up!
Lulu's to unveil long-awaited brick-and-mortar shop after extended hiatus
Get ready, LA! The popular fashion brand Lulus is preparing to unleash their new retail haven in Los Angeles, California, as announced in a recent press release.
Since its digital debut in 2008, Lulus had been on a purely digital distribution journey. Fast forward to now, and they're charting new paths, with their upcoming 6,000-square-foot store on Melrose Avenue set to be their first permanent retail space in years. This impressive location marks a significant milestone for the brand, harking back to its first physical store in 1996.
The new store is packed with exciting features, including multiple floors and a weekly assortment refresh. Plus, it will boast Lulus' inaugural appointment-only bridal boutique—due to launch by early 2024.
Lulus is aiming to foster a strong connection with its existing LA community. Crystal Landsem, Lulus' CEO, expressed her excitement by saying, "We're all about delivering an immersive brand experience, and our new storefront is set to knock it out of the park! From the location details to our top-notch offerings and budget-friendly luxury, Lulus' store is destined to be the go-to spot for Millennial and Gen Z shoppers."
Moreover, Lulus has been expanding its reach through partnerships with curated collections across the U.S. The new store will host themed influencer nights and exclusive shopping events for enthusiastic customers.
It's not just Lulus jumping into the retail game; several other brands are following suit. Over the past month, apparel brand Madhappy launched its first store in California, menswear company True Classic debuted bricks-and-mortar in Houston, Texas, and healthcare clothing brand Figs opened its first store near several health clinics in November. Even toy brands like toy company Radio Flyer and toy brand Melissa & Doug are looking to set up shop—with M&D announcing plans for a 1,600-square-foot retail space in September.
In today's evolving retail landscape, many direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands are augmenting their digital footprint by stepping into the real world. For example, eyewear brand Warby Parker, athletic wear brand Fabletics, and mattress brand Casper have embraced hybrid models, blurring the lines between online shopping and in-store experiences. Similarly, toy brands have begun prioritizing tactile retail experiences, often utilizing pop-ups or experiential events to engage customers.
So, get ready, LA! It seems that Lulus' retail store opening is just the tip of the iceberg for an anticipated wave of DTC expansions that will no doubt transform the retail landscape in 2025 and beyond. Stay tuned for more updates!
- Lulus is about to reveal their new retail sanctuary in Los Angeles, California, a transition from their digital-only distribution since 2008.
- Marking a significant milestone for the brand, the upcoming 6,000-square-foot store on Melrose Avenue will be Lulus' first permanent retail space in years, reminiscent of their first physical store in 1996.
- The new store will boast various features, such as multiple floors and a weekly assortment refresh, and will house Lulus' initial appointment-only bridal boutique planned for early 2024.
- Crystal Landsem, Lulus' CEO, declared that the new storefront aims to deliver an immersive brand experience in a prime location, offering top-notch offerings that will make it the go-to spot for Millennial and Gen Z shoppers.
- Besides Lulus, other brands like Madhappy, True Classic, Figs, Radio Flyer, and Melissa & Doug are venturing into the retail industry by opening brick-and-mortar stores, reflecting a growing trend among direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands.
- Brands such as Warby Parker, Fabletics, Casper, and toy brands are adopting hybrid models, merging online shopping and in-store experiences, to remain competitive and cater to customer preferences in the evolving retail industry.
- In 2025 and beyond, it seems the anticipated wave of DTC expansions will redefine the retail landscape in Los Angeles, with Lulus' store opening being just the beginning.
